Research Newsletter - Issue 114: Information and Updates
The Pure Implementation Project is moving ahead apace! We are excited to announce that in September 2026, we will publicly launch the first phase of Pure, our new integrated Research Information System. In this phase, Pure researcher profiles will replace the current Research Engine profile system.
To prepare for this public launch and to ensure a smooth transition, Pure profiles will be made available to DCU researchers in June. You will receive an email notification as soon as your account is active. This "early access" period will allow you to review and edit your profile in advance of the public launch in September.
For more information see the Pure Update article.
DCU:Innovate is offering all members of our research and academic community the opportunity to register their interest for Explore 2026 in advance of the release of their Autumn 2026 workshop dates.
Explore is a fast-paced, practice-driven programme, built around Massachusett Institute of Technology's (MIT’s) Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework, designed to help DCU researchers bridge the gap between breakthrough research and real-world impact. The programme focuses on commercialisation as a pathway to impact - helping participants understand who needs their innovation, how to reach them, and how to build something that sustains and scales beyond the lab.
To register your interest and for further details on all workshop content, see DCU:Innovate’s programme information and registration page.
Background
DCU has been collaborating with members of the European Consortium of Innovative Universities (ECIU) since 2012. The Consortium was first established in 1997, sharing a common commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. The vision of ECIU is to be a global leader in higher education through the collective expertise of the Consortium, dedication to enhancing the learning experience of students, and a focus on fostering economic and social development in the regions.
Recent Developments
Following successful applications to the Erasmus+ programme to become one of the pilot European University Alliances, ECIU received funding in 2019 and again in 2022. ECIU also successfully applied for funding under the Horizon 2020 Science with and for Society (SWaFS) call to drive its research and innovation capacity. ECIU now leads the FOR-EU4All project which supports the community of European University Alliances, bringing its members together to share best practices, exchange experiences, and strengthen cooperation.
Research Engagement
Researchers and research offices across ECIU are actively engaged through projects, events, and expert groups. 67 research ideas were presented at the recent Research Labs event, with the aim of building consortia and developing research applications to be submitted to EU or international funding opportunities.
DCU’s Role
DCU’s Research Development and Support team are active members of the two groups that make up ECIU’s Strategic European Projects Office, aiming to drive our collaboration through peer-to-peer training, capacity building, and providing ECIU member institutions with guidance in scouting funding opportunities and in EU application processes.
Researchers can take advantage of all that our membership of ECIU offers, including partner-finding events, seed funding calls, sharing of expertise, and all the benefits that come from the wide web of connections between both our researchers and research offices that have been built over years of collaboration.
To get connected, join the ECIU R&I Hub.
Enterprise Ireland has introduced a new funding option, available on a trial basis until the end of 2026, to support academic researchers intending to lead a Work Package within a Horizon Europe Pillar II application.
This eligibility option applies across all six thematic programme areas under Pillar II:
- Cluster 1: Health
- Cluster 2: Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society
- Cluster 3: Civil Security for Society
- Cluster 4: Digital, Industry and Space
- Cluster 5: Climate, Energy and Mobility
- Cluster 6: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment.
Eligible applicants may request funding of up to €6,250 (inclusive of VAT).
The key points to note are as follows:
- Only one grant per institution per project is permitted. Institutions cannot apply for both Coordinator Support and Work Package Leader Support for the same project.
- This grant only covers Horizon Europe Pillar II applications with multiple beneficiaries.
- Applicants must demonstrate their significant role in the project as Work Package Leader.
- This new funding stream is now available via Enterprise Ireland’s SmartSimple application platform.
For more information, please contact your Faculty RDO or research@dcu.ie
About the webinar
The webinar explores key elements of a successful ERC Advanced Grant application, including:
- What defines a groundbreaking and ambitious research idea
- How to effectively communicate scientific excellence and novelty
- Structuring a proposal to align with ERC evaluation criteria
- Balancing vision and feasibility in project design
- Understanding the expectations of evaluation panels and reviewers
The session also highlights common pitfalls in ERC proposals and offers practical advice on how to avoid them.
Who is this for?
This webinar is particularly relevant for:
- Established researchers planning to apply for an ERC Advanced Grant
- Researchers aiming to strengthen the conceptual and strategic aspects of their proposal
- Institutions and research support staff involved in ERC application guidance.
Key takeaways
Viewers will gain:
- Clearer understanding: What makes an ERC Advanced Grant proposal competitive?
- Practical tips: How to develope and present a high-impact research idea
- Guidance: How to structure and refine proposals for maximum clarity and impact
- Insights: The evaluation process and reviewer expectations.
Access the webinar recording for more information.
The HRB Strategy 2026-2030: Bringing research to life was launched on 06 May. It is a five-year strategic plan that defines the aims, activities and outcomes of the organisation at a high level. Developed following a process of extensive engagement with stakeholders, the strategy sets out a clear direction for the HRB and an ambitious five-year plan to advance health research, innovation, and evidence-based policy in Ireland.
Marking its 40th anniversary, the HRB aims to create a thriving research environment, expand clinical trial access, and generate high-quality evidence to inform health and social care policy and practice.
The strategy emphasises collaboration with national and international partners, investment in innovative research, and a strong focus on ethics, inclusivity, and public and patient involvement. By building research capacity, supporting open science, and embedding robust governance, the HRB seeks to address current and future health challenges, reduce health inequalities, and ensure that research delivers real-world impact for patients, practitioners, and the wider community.
For more information, see the HRB Strategy 2026-2030.
The MSCA 30th anniversary communications toolkit has recently been updated with new assets, including:
- Canva editable templates – to help you quickly create visually consistent and adaptable content for your communication channels.
- Social media copies for the upcoming International Academic Freedom Day (20 May) – to support timely and coherent messaging around key moments.
- Source files to support the local production of promotional materials (goodies) – to enable you to produce branded anniversary items tailored to your local activities and events while also optimising costs using already created designs.
The European Commission invites you to use these resources widely on websites, newsletters, and social media channels to help highlight three decades of MSCA’s contribution to research careers, skills and mobility across disciplines, sectors, and countries. Please also keep visiting the anniversary webpage for regular new stories and updates on events.
Research using social media data presents several ethical issues that researchers must navigate to ensure the responsible and respectful use of this data. Some of the primary ethical issues in research using social media include privacy and informed consent, anonymity and confidentiality, data ownership and terms of use, ethical use of algorithms and AI, sensitive topics and vulnerable populations, consent and minors, deception and online identity, unintended consequences, and transparency and reproducibility.
A UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO) webinar presented by Dr Nicolas Gold (Associate Professor, University College London) discussed these ethical concerns that require a combination of thoughtful consideration, adherence to research guidelines, and engagement with relevant stakeholders, including social media platforms and users.